Force regulating apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for using said apparatus are disclosed. Said apparatus is a tool having the advantage of being able to regulate the amount of force exerted through said tool on to a work surface. In a preferred embodiment, said tool is a tooth brush and the force threshold is 150 grams.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the amount of force that may be applied by a tool. Specifically the apparatus is a modification that could be applied to a number of known tools such that the force applied through the tool may be regulated. Similarly, a method for implementing such tools such that they may be used without excessive force is also provided. Furthermore, the invention provides a method and apparatus for training users when over brushing occurs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and associated method used to regulate the amount of force applied to a work surface through a tool. Although the apparatus and method will find application with any number of known tools and their associated applications, it is anticipated that the invention will find greatest application in connection with toothbrushes and dental care. Therefore, although the background description and description of preferred embodiments will focus on the dental application, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Human teeth are comprised of two major elements: dentin which is a porous substance containing nerve endings; and a hard enamel cover that protects the dentin. Although the enamel generally protects the teeth, teeth are under frequent attack from substances found in the foods that people eat. For example, sugar and starches can both form acids within the mouth that work to degrade the enamel. Furthermore, the formation of plaque is also harmful to the dental environment as plaque, and the bacteria present in the plaque, can lead to decay of the teeth and damage to the surrounding gum tissue. Such damage can lead to cavities, the loss of teeth, gingivitis, and other periodontal diseases.

One way to avoid such damage involves daily care of the teeth by the removal of plaque and food particles by brushing and/or flossing. Proper brushing most commonly involves the use of a toothbrush to scrub away the plaque. Frequently, users will also employ toothpaste to aid in the cleaning process. Toothpaste is generally a mildly abrasive substance that frequently contains fluoride, mouthwash or other medication. In addition, some users are known to employ electrically powered, or “sonic,” toothbrushes to assist in the teeth cleaning process.

While daily brushing of teeth is important, unfortunately, many users apply too much force to the tooth surface when brushing. Such “over brushing” acts to wear away the tooth enamel. Once the enamel has been worn away, the dentin is especially susceptible to the damaging effects of plaque. Additionally, over brushing acts to striate and/or wear away gum tissue. Thus, while attempting to improve oral health, many users are actually causing significant damage to their teeth and gums.

In the case of electrically powered toothbrushes, some of these devices are designed to reduce incidents of over brushing by automatically ceasing operation if an over brushing event occurs. However, most of these devices suffer from a significant drawback in that they are not useful in educating users as to the proper amount of force to use. Specifically, it is believed that the high rate of vibration present in some of these devices (vibration of a cleaning head at as many as 30,000 strokes and/or rotations per minute is not uncommon), may cause at least some users of such brushes to experience temporary loss of tactile sensation in the fingers and hand holding the brush. Without tactile sensation, it may be difficult for the user to feel the amount of force applied to the teeth and gums that caused the over brushing condition. Thus, when the user returns to a standard brush, he or she would not have been educated as to proper brushing force. An additional drawback to these devices is cost.

It is believed that as little as 150 grams of force applied to the tooth surface by the brush is sufficient to effectively clean teeth. However, it is further believed that many users exert more than 260 grams of force when brushing. It is this excessive use of force that can lead to wear of the tooth enamel and damage to the teeth and gums.

Previous attempts have been made to design an apparatus that can provide a signal or other indication to users when over brushing occurs. However, such devices suffer from problems associated with cost, and complexity—particularly as such complexity can adversely affect the user's ability to use the device.

Thus, there has been a need for a cost effective and simple method and apparatus to educate users as to the dangers of over brushing while simultaneously training them as to proper brushing force so that maximum teeth cleaning may be achieved while minimizing damage to the tooth enamel and gums resulting from over brushing. The present invention has the benefit of being an inexpensive apparatus that may be sold to the general public or distributed by dental professionals as a part of the professionals' overall education campaign. The present invention has the further advantage of providing a tool which can be used and understood with little training, but which provides immediate feedback to the user when over brushing occurs. The present invention has a further advantage in that it may be used without causing the loss of tactile sensation. Finally, the present method and apparatus provide an effective way to clean teeth and gums without over brushing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood from embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description together with the drawings provided to aid in understanding, but not limit the invention.

FIG. 1. A perspective view of the present invention in the first position.

FIG. 2. A perspective view of the present invention in the second position.

FIG. 3. A perspective view of the handle portion of the present invention.

FIG. 4. A perspective view of the head portion of the present invention.

FIG. 5. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portion of the handle portion of the present invention.

FIG. 6. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portion of the head portion of the present invention.

FIG. 7. A close-up perspective view of the hinge portions of the handle and head portions of the present invention.

FIG. 8. A close-up perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9. A close-up perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a locking mechanism.

FIG. 10. A close-up perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11. A top view of an alternate embodiment of the handle portion of the present invention.

FIG. 12. A front view of an alternate embodiment of the handle portion of the present invention.

FIG. 13. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a locking mechanism.

FIG. 14. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15. A perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for cleaning teeth and for providing an indication that over brushing has occurred. In this embodiment, the invention is comprised of a handle portion having first and second ends. The first end is a handle suitable for gripping by a user. The second end is suitable for receiving an end of a head portion. The head portion also has first and second ends. The first end of the head portion comprises a cleaning surface and a means for attaching the cleaning surface to the body of the head portion. The second end of the head portion is dimensioned such that it will rotatably engage the second end of the handle portion. In addition, means are provided for preventing the rotation of either the handle or head portions with respect to the other until a desired over brushing threshold is overcome.

In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the handle portion is forked and has two forks. Furthermore, the handle portion and the head portion are hingedly connected, either by a pin which passes through the forked end of the handle portion and the second end of the head portion, or by some other suitable connection means, such that the head and handle portions are in a pivotable relation. Furthermore, one or both of the forks of the handle portion includes one or more protrusions which are aligned such that they may engage the second end of the head portion. The second end of the head portion includes at least one concavity which may engage the one or more protrusions of the handle portion. In this embodiment, the protrusions of the handle portion engage with the concavities of the head portion to prevent the head portion from rotating about the pin until a sufficient amount of force has been exerted on the head portion. Once this force threshold has been overcome, the head and handle portions rotate with respect to each other, and the apparatus is rendered virtually and temporarily unusable until the user resets the head and handle portions.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for cleaning teeth and gums without over brushing. The method involves the use of a cleaning apparatus which provides an indication to a user that an amount of force, greater than a predetermined level, has been applied to the teeth by the cleaning apparatus. When the predetermined threshold had been surpassed, the cleaning apparatus will cease to function in an intended manner, and the user will be forced to take action to return the apparatus to its intended functioning condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be better understood in relation to the figures included herein where like numbers are used to identify like elements. Turning to FIG. 1, cleaning apparatus 10 is comprised of handle portion 12 and head portion 14. As shown, cleaning apparatus 10 is in a first position suitable for use in cleaning teeth. FIG. 2 shows cleaning apparatus 10 in the second position in which head portion 14 has been rotated in relation to handle portion 12. This position would normally occur after an over brushing event.

FIG. 3 shows handle portion 12 alone. In this view, forked end 16 with first fork 16 a and second fork 16 b are clearly visible. FIG. 4 shows head portion 14, cleaning surface 18 which in this embodiment is comprised of bristles. Also visible in FIG. 4 is concavity 22, pivot point 24, and detent 25. In the preferred embodiment detent 25 is used to ease the assembly process, but an embodiment not including detent 25 remains within the scope and spirit of the invention. In the present embodiment, one or more concavities in head portion 14 and complementary protrusions on handle 12 allow head portion 14 to pivot about pivot point 24. However, the use of a void at pivot point 24 through which a pivot pin passes or any other of a number of alternative attachment methods allowing rotation would accomplish the same objective without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Reset pad 26 is also shown. In operation, when cleaning apparatus 10 enters its second position as a result of over brushing, the user may use reset pad 26 to easily return cleaning apparatus 10 to its first position.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up of forked end 16 of handle portion 12. In this view, protrusion 30, located on fork 16 b is shown. In this embodiment, a similar protrusion 30 is also located on fork 16 a. However, alternate embodiments in which a greater or lesser number of protrusions 30 are used on one or both of forks 16 a and 16 b are also possible without deviating from the scope of this invention. Also visible in FIG. 5 is hinge protrusion 32 located on fork 16 b. In this embodiment, a similar protrusion 32 is also located on fork 16 a. However, alternate embodiments in which a greater or lesser number of hinge protrusions 32 are used on one or both of forks 16 a and 16 b are also possible without deviating from the scope of this invention.

Turning to FIG. 6, hinge end 28 of head portion 14 is shown. In this embodiment, one of one or more concavities 22 is shown on head portion 14. However, alternate embodiments in which a greater or lesser number of concavities 22 are used on one or both sides of head portion 14 are also possible without deviating from the scope of this invention. Also shown is pivot point 24. In this embodiment, pivot point 24 is shown as a void which hinge protrusion 32 (shown in FIG. 5) may engage in order to provide a hinged connection between handle portion 12 (shown in FIG. 5) and head portion 14.

Turning to FIG. 7, handle portion 12 and head portion 14 are shown in the aforementioned hinged connection and the cleaning apparatus 10 is shown in the second position. Forked end 16 of handle portion 12 and hinge end 28 of head portion 14 are shown in more detail. In this embodiment, forks 16 a and 16 b are spaced such that hinge end 28 may pass between them. Also shown is one of one or more concavities 22 located on head portion 14. As shown in this figure, concavity 22 is located on head potion 14 such that when head portion 14 rotates back to the first position, concavity 22 engages protrusion 30.

The engagement of concavity 22 with protrusion 30 holds handle portion 12 and head portion 14 in the first position. Cleaning apparatus 10 will remain in this position until an over brushing event occurs. When over brushing occurs, concavity 22 and protrusion 30 will no longer remain in engagement and cleaning apparatus 10 will enter the second position, indicating to the user that over brushing has occurred. Thus, it is the engagement of concavity 22 with protrusion 30, as well as the design of handle portion 12 and head potion 14, and the materials selected to construct these portions, that creates the over brushing threshold. For example, the rigidity of forks 16 a and 16 b will affect the force needed to overcome the over brushing threshold, because forks 16 a and 16 b will spread apart from each other allowing the head portion 14 to rotate out of the first position. Furthermore, by varying the number, size and/or shape of either concavities 22 and/or protrusions 30, more or less force will be required to reach and overcome the over brushing threshold. For example, larger protrusions 30 could affect the over brushing threshold. Finally, the selection of materials used in the construction of cleaning apparatus 10 will impact the over brushing threshold. For example, for a given design if a harder material is used, the over brushing threshold will rise as it will be more difficult to disengage concavity 22 from protrusion 30. Conversely, a softer material will lower the over brushing threshold.

Once over brushing has occurred, applying force to reset pad 26 will cause head portion 14 to rotate back to the first position and concavity 22 to reengage with protrusion 30.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, handle portion 12 includes only a single arm 16′. Head portion 14 is unchanged with the exception that only one concavity 22 is necessary to engage single protrusion 30. Pivot point 24 is also unchanged, however, in this embodiment, pin 34, which is fixedly mounted to handle portion 12, passes through pivot point 24 and includes flange 36 which retains head portion 14. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, other methods may be implemented to retain head portion 14 on pin 34, but they remain within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a means for preventing the rotation of head portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. In this embodiment, handle portion 12 includes locking flap 40. Locking flap 40 is hingedly connected to one side of handle portion 12 such that flap 40 may be rotated over and on top of reset pad 26. Protrusion 42 on flap 40 engages concavity 44 located on handle portion 12 when flap 40 is rotated over reset pad 26. Locking flap 40 prevents head portion 14 from rotating when protrusion 42 and concavity 44 are engaged, allowing a person to use the apparatus in a conventional manner and not as a training tool. The apparatus may be used as a training tool when protrusion 42 and concavity 44 are disengaged. As will be appreciated by those with skill in the art other locking mechanisms may be implemented to prevent the training application of the invention, but they remain within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. In this embodiment, one of one or more protrusions 50 is located on reset pad 26 and one of one or more concavities 52 is on handle potion 12. When cleaning apparatus 10 is in the first position, protrusion 50 and concavity 52 are engaged and prevent the rotation of head portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12 until the over brushing threshold is reached. When the over brushing threshold is overcome, protrusion 50 and concavity 52 disengage allowing head portion 14 to move into the second position. As in other embodiments, the selection of material and the design and number of protrusions 50 and concavities 52 will set the over brushing threshold for this embodiment.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, handle portion 12 includes frangible obstructions 60 and 62. In this embodiment, obstructions 60 and 62 are depicted as a pair of flaps through which head portion 14 must pass, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the placement and design of obstructions 60 and 62 may be varied without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Also, the use of one or more obstructions may be used to create the over brushing threshold without deviating from the scope of the invention. The selection of material and the design of obstructions 60 and 62 will again set the over brushing threshold for this embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment with an alternate locking mechanism. Sleeve 80 is shown in a second position overlapping reset pad 26. In this position head portion 14 is prevented from rotating and operates as a conventional tool. Sleeve 80 can slide into a first position away from head portion 14, not overlapping reset pad 26, and head portion 14 may operate as a training tool as described in FIG. 1. Other locking mechanisms may be used to prevent the head portion from rotating in relation to the handle portion, allowing the user to use the invention without the benefit protection from excessive force. The locking mechanism may be a latch, a sleeve, a flap or any other means known in the art to prevent movement and remain within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention with alternate means for preventing the rotation of head portion 14 with respect to handle potion 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, handle portion 12 includes elastic member 70 which supports head portion 14. Elastic member 70 maintains a first position until an over brushing threshold is overcome, and returns to the first position when the force applied to the head portion is reduced. When the over brushing threshold is overcome, elastic member 70 allows a noticeable release to train the user. In this embodiment elastic member 70 may make a noise when the over brushing threshold is overcome, creating a second indication to train the user. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, a similar member lacking the elastic quality or the noise would remain within the scope of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning teeth using the cleaning apparatus previously described. In the method of the present invention, a user may or may not apply a cleaning solution such as toothpaste, to bristles 20. The user would then clean his or her teeth in a manner known in the art. So long as the user did not apply force to the tooth surface in excess of the over brushing threshold, cleaning would proceed normally. However, if the over brushing threshold is exceeded, the cleaning apparatus signals the user that he or she is applying to much force to the tooth surfaces. The user is then forced to reset the cleaning apparatus so that cleaning may continue.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the cleaning apparatus signals the over brushing condition by flexing, collapsing, or otherwise deforming such that the user must take corrective action to properly use the apparatus for learning the appropriate use of force.

In a preferred embodiment, the over brushing threshold is 100 grams. In a more preferred embodiment, the over brushing threshold is 150 grams. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the preferred and more preferred over brushing thresholds are applicable when the disclosed apparatus is used for brushing teeth. Alternate thresholds would be within the scope of the invention.

Although preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention have been described in relation to cleaning of teeth, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can take a number of forms and methods which do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are other applications where it may be necessary to regulate the amount of force exerted by a user through an apparatus. For example, cleaning of sensitive electronics, woodworking or working with archeological materials may require an apparatus that is capable of regulating the amount of force applied. Furthermore, the invention need not be restricted to brush implements. Other tools such as scrapers or punches may benefit from the present invention's ability to regulate the amount of force applied by the tools.

Also, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of methods may be used to engage the handle with the head portion until a threshold level has been overcome including but not limited to using varying shapes, patterns, numbers, positions, and sizes of protrusions and concavities, using hook and loop tape, using a chemical substance, or any other method of engagement that will maintain engagement until a threshold has been overcome. Although various protrusions and concavities have been described as placed in relation to specific elements, those protrusions and concavities may be placed in alternate locations, such as placing concavities where protrusions have been described and corresponding protrusions where the concavities were described. The threshold level may also be created with a spring or other device applying pressure to a protrusion, such that when the threshold is overcome, the protrusion disengages independently of any movement in the arms. As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, in some embodiments, reset pad 26 is not necessary and other methods and apparatus may be implemented to return cleaning apparatus 10 to its first position and remain within the scope of the invention. For example, applying a force to head portion 14 in a second direction would cause head portion 14 to rotate back to the first position. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention may also become ineffective and not reusable for the same purpose once the engagement threshold is overcome and remain within the scope of the invention. 

1. A force regulating apparatus comprised of: a handle; a head hingedly connected to said handle; and means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction unless a force threshold has been exceeded.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portion further comprises at least one arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising one or more protrusions.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising one or more concavities.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle is the engagement of said protrusions with said concavities.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle comprises one or more frangible obstructions.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said head further comprises a means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a second direction.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in a first direction is operatively associated with said means for rotating said head in a second direction.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction further comprises a means for increasing said force threshold.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said means for increasing said force threshold is movable between a first position and a second position, where in said first position said force threshold is increased and in said second position said force threshold is not increased.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least 100 grams of force is required to overcome said force threshold.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least 150 grams of force is required to overcome said force threshold.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning surface fixedly attached to said head.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one concavity and at least one protrusion wherein said head is movable between a first position and a second position, where in said first position there is engagement of said protrusion with said concavity.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle is an elastic structure which maintains a first position until a force threshold is overcome and returns to a first position when said force is removed.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said elastic structure creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is overcome.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is overcome.
 18. A tooth brush comprising: a handle; a head rotatably attached to said handle; bristles fixedly attached to said head; and means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction unless a force threshold has been exceeded.
 19. The tooth brush of claim 18 further comprising one or more concavities and one or more protrusions, wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle is the engagement of said concavities and said protrusions.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle comprises one or more frangible obstructions.
 21. The tooth brush of claim 19 wherein said handle includes a first end suitable for gripping and a second end having a forked configuration with first and second forks.
 22. The tooth brush of claim 21 further comprising a pivot and wherein said first and second forks define a space in which said head may rotate about said pivot.
 23. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein at least 100 grams of force is required to overcome said engagement of said protrusions with said concavities.
 24. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein at least 150 grams of force is required to overcome said engagement of said protrusions with said concavities.
 25. The tooth brush of claim 22 wherein said head further comprises a means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a second direction.
 26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in a first direction is operatively associated with said means for rotating said head in a second direction.
 27. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said handle includes a first end suitable for gripping and a second end having an arm.
 28. The tooth brush of claim 27 further comprising a pivot fixedly mounted to said arm, wherein said head may rotate about said pivot, and means to retain said head on said pivot.
 29. The tooth brush of claim 27 wherein at least 100 grams of force is required to overcome said force threshold.
 30. The tooth brush of claim 27 wherein at least 150 grams of force is required to overcome said force threshold.
 31. The tooth brush of claim 28 wherein said head further comprises a means for rotating said head in relation to said handle in a second direction.
 32. The tooth brush of claim 31 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in a first direction is operatively associated with said means for rotating said head in a second direction.
 33. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle in a first direction further comprises a means for increasing said force threshold.
 34. The tooth brush of claim 33 wherein said means for increasing said force threshold is movable between a first position and a second position, where in said first position said force threshold is increased and in said second position said force threshold is not increased.
 35. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle is an elastic structure which maintains a first position until a force threshold is overcome and returns to a first position when said force is removed.
 36. The tooth brush of claim 35 wherein said elastic structure creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is overcome.
 37. The tooth brush of claim 18 wherein said means for preventing said head from rotating in relation to said handle creates an auditory signal when said force threshold is overcome.
 38. A method of using a tool comprising the steps of: selecting a tool comprising a head rotatably mounted to a handle wherein said head may rotate in a first direction about said handle only after a force threshold has been overcome; and applying said tool to a work surface.
 39. The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of rotating said head in a second direction which is opposite said first direction after said force threshold has been overcome.
 40. The method of claim 38 wherein said tool further comprises one or more concavities and one or more protrusions, the additional step of rotating said head in a second direction which is opposite said first direction after said force threshold has been overcome such that said protrusions and said concavities engage.
 41. The method of claim 38 wherein said tool further comprises one or more concavities and one or more protrusions engaged with each other, further comprising the step of increasing said amount of force until said concavities and said protrusions no longer engage and said head rotates in relation to said handle.
 42. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of rotating said head in a second direction which is opposite said first direction after said force threshold has been overcome such that said protrusions and said concavities engage.
 43. The method of claim 42 wherein said tool is a toothbrush.
 44. A method of brushing teeth comprising the steps of: selecting a tooth brush comprising a bead rotatably mounted to a handle wherein said head may rotate in a first direction about said handle only after a force threshold has been overcome; and applying said head to a tooth surface with an amount of force. 